LOCAL PROFILE: Indie Film Scene | Arts & Culture

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ATLANTA, Ga. – Atlanta has come to be known as the home of young professionals, performing arts professionals and indie artists. The city that was once a breeding ground for hip-hop trends has become a haven of the aesthetic arts and artists alike.

Recently, while searching for this thriving indie artist scene in the city that is home to large-scale Tyler Perry Studios, I stumbled upon a “somewhat dormant” subculture lying low in the middle of town; it’s Atlanta’s Underground Art scene.

Just like movie buffs, members of world want to claim they were the first to see the most recent and popular cult indie films, films like “Reservoir Dogs” or “Requiem for a Dream”. Well, in Atlanta, artists can experience that excitement by visiting their local independent theatre. These theatres in most cases, have been around for 20 years, or more, are home to many of the most artistically gifted and innovative people in town. Each theatre has their loyalist but they, essentially, serve a variation of the same radically talented crowd, the Atlanta artist.

Independent or indie films are usually produced outside of a major studio and are usually independently funded, as well. Some say indie films take a different creative approach, more artistic and more non-transparent; unlike many big budget films that classically use the 90 or 120 minute format with a fitting dramatic structure.

Indie film theatres are popular in a lot of the major American cities with established artsy sub-cultures. One of the most prominent chains of indie theatres is the Landmark Theatres brand. They are the nation’s largest independent film theatre chain and are known for, both, historic and award-winning theatres. Since they were founded around 1950, Landmark has grown about 55 theatres in 21 cities across the United States.

Others who don’t follow the culture, often, partake in the viewing of movies at these theatres and they’ve discovered that not only do they offer creative works, they also offer a cost effective form of entertainment. Here’s a list of theatres in the Metro-Atlanta and Athens area:

Cine is an independent cinema, bar and café located in Athens. The cinema opens at 4:30 p.m. daily and costs between $6 and $9. The theatre is located at 234 West Hancock Avenue in Athens.

The Midtown Art Cinema is a Landmark Theatre located in the middle of Atlanta. The theatre was built in 1987 and has quickly become the premier home for independent films. The Midtown Art Cinema serves adult beverages and according to some, that makes the experience more comfortable. The theatre is located at 931 Monroe Drive in Atlanta.

Cinefest is an indie film theatre that on the campus of Georgia State University. The theatre is located at 66 Courtland Street in Atlanta. General admission for this theatre ranges between $3 and $5. And the theatre shows many of the most popular, current, indie titles. Georgia State students, faculty and staff are admitted free with their Panther card.

The Plaza Theatre or the Historic Plaza Theatre is “the oldest operating cinema” in Atlanta. The cinema is located at 1049 Ponce De Leon Avenue in a shopping center with an Urban Outfitters store and a diner but it’s a hub for creative high school kids and artists from the neighborhood. All shows after 6:00 cost $9 for general admission. Call the box office at 404-876-8048 for information on showings.